Caring Didcot duo achieve together

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Congratulations to Pat and David Lang, winners of our 2024 Achieving Together Making a Difference Award.

The award, which recognises members who, working as a team, significantly improve the lives of fellow members and help to make their Branch and Society the best they can be, was presented to the couple from Didcot, Oxfordshire, during a special ceremony at the Society’s annual national conference in Llandudno on Tuesday 28 May.

Pat and David with their award in Llandudno

It has never been about being rewarded. David Lang

The pair joined the Princess Alexandra Lodge, which is part of the Reading District’s Three Counties Branch, over half-a-century ago after a friend’s father recommended the Society to them.

In the time since, both Pat and David have taken on a wide range of voluntary roles, including serving as Lodge Chairman five times between them.

On winning the award, David, a retired Train Planning Manager, said: “I suppose I’m a little embarrassed really, but very proud at the same time. It has never been about being rewarded. We love doing what we do – it is as simple as that.

Retired School Teaching Assistant Pat added: “I’m honoured. We have much to thank the Oddfellows for and have met so many lovely people. With David by my side we’ve done a lot, all with help from Princess Alexandra Lodge.”

Checking in

Both Pat and David are Welfare Visitors, volunteering their time to check in on their fellow members, and not just those in their own Branch.

“Many years ago the Oxford group folded, sadly,” David explained, “but we keep in contact with members who were split between two lodges in the Reading District.

“We have 40 to 50 members we stay in contact with. We know many member’s birthdays and wedding anniversaries and we send them cards to remain in contact and ask if we can help in any way. We do this at Christmas and Easter as well.

“Telephone calls are also part of our setup. It’s about trying to keep people engaged and thought about, that is important.”

Chairman of the Society, Barbara Needham, presented Pat and David their award

As part of their Welfare Visitor roles, Pat and David often drive many miles to visit. The fact they live more than 20 miles outside of Reading provides some context to how committed and conscientious they are.

“Living in Oxfordshire, we are able to support families at funerals of members who have sadly passed away as, geographically, we are in a better position to do so,” Pat said.

She added: “It’s nice to be able to keep in contact with people that you don’t see regularly. I’ve got a diary full of all the Oxford people and it’s very nice to meet new people from different backgrounds and understand how they are and how they’re managing.”

An Oddfellow marches on their stomach

Pat and David have become well-known for supplying delicious food at events.

Pat explained: “We started out planning coach trips, buying food and preparing lunches and high tea to have en route.

“I remember one time we had to lay-up in layby as our regular spot had been taken with other events, so I got a trestle table set up with all our food on and people who were passing in their cars, slowed down to ask if we were selling food.”

David said: “I think if we’d have said ‘you can only have some food if you join the Oddfellows’ that day we’d have had about 50 new members!”

“We’ve done refreshments for many years,” he added. “Pat has makes several types of soups, sandwiches and cakes. It is always very popular and guarantees good attendances.

“We do it for committee meeting too. I don’t think it is fair that people are coming to a meeting after work or whatever without something to eat. It also helps to refocus the mind on challenging agenda items.”

Helping others

David gave a thank you speech to annual conference in Llandudno

Pat and David are both big believers in the powers of charity and support.

Both are committee members so are able to help make decisions to help the lives of members. David is trustee of the Oddfellows’ Three Counties Branch and says he’s privileged that he’s in a position to carry out those decisions.

He said: “I can influence the giving of Benevolence Grants and guide people into receiving other benefits such as convalescence. I find out about people who need them through talking to them.”

The couple are also responsible for an annual Christmas lunch event that is geared for members of the old Oxford Lodge. Since 2009, through the generosity of members, the event has raised over £2,100 for the HA Andrews Memorial Fund which helps to finance projects conducting medical research.

They are true Oddfellows. Debbie Jex

Debbie Jex, District Secretary at Reading Oddfellows, said: “Pat and David will do anything for anyone. They are true Oddfellows.

“They work very well together and always do this with good humour – lots of this in fact. They are like a double act, and David is the butt of many of Pat's jokes!

“Despite advancing years and not always being in the best of health, they always give their all. They are a wonderful team. A team any Branch would be proud of and I’m extremely proud that they have won this award.”

Our other 2024 award-winners

Meet our other cherished award-winners on our Making a Difference Awards page.

Who makes a difference in your Branch?

If you know somebody in your Branch who has gone above and beyond to help and support members of the Oddfellows, why not nominate them for a 2025 Making a Difference Award?

Any member can nominate another member. You can learn more about the different categories in the Making a Difference Awards section of our website.

If you're interested in joining an Oddfellows friendship group, contact us and we can send you a free information pack and local events diary.